Summary
The Ritual is the first installment in Shantel Tessier’s L.O.R.D.S., a New Adult series described as both dark romance and dark academia. Set at Barrington University, the novel follows protagonist Blakely Anderson as she navigates the seductive and manipulative world of the Lords, a secret society. She falls under the spell of Ryat Alexander Archer, a prominent member of the Lords. Under his commanding presence, Blakely is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger.
Plot
The Ritual by Shantel Tessier explores the clandestine world of Barrington University's secret society, the Lords, focusing on a dangerous initiation rite and themes of power and obsession. Blakely Anderson and Ryat Archer's relationship stands at the story's center. Blakely, initially unaware of the Lords' influence, becomes involved through Ryat, a prominent member. In a crucial ceremony, Ryat selects Blakely as his “chosen one,” awarded to Lords for displaying abstinence and endurance. Though involved with Matt Winston, another member, Blakely is drawn to Ryat's commanding presence.
As Blakely and Ryat's connection grows, she struggles between submission and autonomy. Ryat encourages her darker desires, drawing her deeper into dominance and control. Their interactions reflect a shifting power dynamic, with Blakely increasingly accepting Ryat's authority. Meanwhile, Ryat is pressured to demonstrate loyalty to the Lords through harsh measures, including committing acts of violence. This results in the shattering accidental death. Tension intensifies when Matt’s obsession with Blakely leads him to plot against Ryat.
Gradually, Blakely realizes the depth of Ryat's influence, both emotionally and physically. The Ritual culminates with Ryat and Blakely confronting the Lords’ sinister force. Will they be able to reconcile their troubled pasts and break free of the Lords’ mysterious world?
Characters
Ryat Alexander Archer: A central figure in the secretive order of the Lords, Ryat embodies the ruthlessness and authority required by the society. Initially distant, he becomes a possessive lover intent on keeping his hold over Blakely. His character explores the dual nature of power and vulnerability, reflecting the rigid and dark aspects of society.
Blakely Rae Anderson: A naive college student, Blakely becomes involved with Ryat and enters the dangerous world of the Lords. Her journey involves a conflict between coercion and self-discovery, highlighting the tension between submission and autonomy.
Matt Winston: Blakely’s ex-boyfriend and Ryat’s former confidant, Matt drives much of the tension in the novel. His jealousy and attempts to reclaim Blakely make him as a significant antagonist.
Tyson Crawford: A member of the Lords and Ryat’s ally, Tyson adds to the narrative with themes of loyalty and betrayal. His experiences with treachery enhance the story's complexity.
Sarah: As Blakely’s best friend, Sarah becomes a “chosen one” in the Lords' web. Her involvement influences Blakely's choices and experiences within the society.
Themes
Power
The Ritual centers on a secret society called the Lords, which exemplifies the theme of power. This group wields significant authority over Barrington University, enforcing hierarchies and demanding loyalty. Ryat Alexander Archer undergoes the society's rituals, and the narrative explores how power can serve as both a resource and a threat. Ryat's transformation from a detached leader to an obsessed lover underscores the allure of control. His relationship with Blakely explores power dynamics in intimate connections.
Control
The Lords significantly impact Ryat and Blakely's fate. As Ryat seeks his "Chosen," Blakely, he maneuvers through a complex power structure. This shows her transformation from a pawn to someone controlling her destiny. Tessier delves into how the society enforces control and survival, often sacrificing personal freedom.
Hierarchy
At Barrington University, the Lords comprise influential figures destined for roles as senators or CEOs. The organization demands strict obedience and absolute loyalty, with leadership often passed down through families. Ryat's journey reflects a lineage-bound path within the society.
Obsession
Obsession is both a motivating force and a destructive element in the story. Ryat's fixation on Blakely transcends attraction, becoming a compulsion to possess her entirely. This obsession blurs the lines between love and desire. Blakely's increasing involvement with the Lords reflects her attraction to its allure, complicating their dynamic.
Rituals
The society's rituals, vital to its essence, often employ intimidation and violence to ensure loyalty. These rites, including Ryat’s dangerous missions, are not mere formalities but reinforce commitment through fear.
Moral ambiguity
Operating under morally ambiguous codes, the Lords indulge in manipulation and dominance, unconstrained by ethics. The allure for Ryat lies in "the order, the rush, the power, the dominance," illustrating the seductive yet perilous appeal of membership. This ethical flexibility allows exploration of darker desires.
Dark romance
The relationship between Ryat and Blakely embodies dark romance, characterized by control and forbidden desire. Tessier challenges typical romantic tropes, exploring love in chaos and ambiguity. The tension and intensity in their relationship show that love can be uncertain and dangerous.
Quick facts
Published in 2021, The Ritual marked the debut of Shantel Tessier’s dark romance series L.O.R.D.S.
The Ritual can be read as a standalone novel.
The story is set at Barrington University, home to a manipulative and secretive society known as the Lords.
The Ritual focuses on Ryat Alexander Archer, an obsessive and possessive antihero, and Blakely Anderson, who evolves from naive innocence.
The novel explores mature and intense themes, including dominance, control, possessiveness, and dark emotional dynamics.
The Ritual includes explicit sexual content and violence.
Ryat undergoes a profound initiation titled "The Ritual," influencing his complex dynamic with Blakely.
Blakely's psychological and emotional journey is central to the novel.
The narrative contains significant plot twists and suspenseful elements, particularly in the thrilling final quarter.
Tessier's writing style and thematic intensity are comparable to popular amateur fiction platforms like Wattpad.
The audiobook, praised for conveying the story’s tension, is performed by dual narrators, Aiden Snow and Meg Sylvan.
Symbolism, such as the notable shower scene representing cleansing and reflection, plays a significant role in illustrating relationship dynamics throughout The Ritual.
About the author
Shantel Tessier is the author of dark romance novels with intricate plots and complex characters. Her books often explore themes of power, control, and forbidden desire. In The Ritual, part of the L.O.R.D.S series, Tessier explores extreme relationships and secret societies, fusing elements of dark academia with explicit sexual content and violence.
